Ohio State closes out home portion of schedule at 2 p.m. next Sunday vs. Penn State

Coach Bluem on Galiardi: "Nick is very good on the ball. He is a very smart player at his position and works hard. He is best playing at one of the central midfield positions and helps give us depth there."

At a glance: Talented and well-conditioned reserve player who is capable of producing points ... will compete for increased playing time in midfield ... one of six Buckeyes from Ohio on the 2011 roster.

As a junior (2010): Saw action in three games, logging 33 minutes of playing time.

As a sophomore (2009): Academic All-Big Ten Selection ... aided the Buckeyes coming off the bench in 11 of his 12 games played... made his second career starts vs. IUPUI ... had one shot on goal ... logged 242 minutes of playing time.

As a redshirt freshmen (2008): Played in five games, starting the NCAA first round contest vs. Oakland Nov. 22 ... registered one shot against Oakland in 110 minutes of double-overtime action.

As a freshmen (2007): Aided in OSU's run to the College Cup as a key practice contributor in the midfield ... logged 14 minutes of game action in an exhibition match vs. No. 24 Rutgers Aug. 24.

Gahanna Lincoln H.S.: Three-time All-Ohio Capital Conference selection, including first-team honors as a junior and senior ... served as team captain during the 2005 and 2006 campaigns ... helped guide Gahanna Lincoln to three OCC championships, two district championships and a regional runner-up ... was named to third-team All-Ohio as a senior and first-team all-district while earning team MVP honors ... as a three-year starter, recorded 19 goals and 13 assists.

Personal: Son of Doug and Drue Galiardi ... enjoys snow skiing, golf and jet skiing during his free time ...has two brothers, Tony and Vinny ... aspires to graduate from Ohio State's Fisher College of Business.